By Heather Cole | Bekker’s Catering

So, you’re getting married, yay! After the initial shock and joy of a proposal, where do you begin?

Wedding planning is a daunting task, and it can seem very overwhelming. In our internet-supported age it is simple enough to google “Wedding Planning,” and there are certainly countless sources of information, but which one do you listen to? In a world of conflicting advice, I am here to help. My name is Heather and I am one of the creators of Bekker’s Bridal, the wedding planning division of Bekker’s Catering. We are a family-owned full-service catering and event planning company in San Diego with over 50 years of experience. We provide all types of food and many different services, making us a great “one-stop-shop” for planning a wedding in Southern California. In these monthly articles I hope to provide a little insight into the world of wedding planning and to help you on your way toward your special day.

First and foremost, (and before your first phone call to us) you need to sit down and determine what you want. What type of wedding would you like to have? Think about looking back at your wedding photographs – what do you envision seeing? Is it a beach-side ceremony with a light hors d’oeuvres menu? A rustic ranch barbecue? An upscale plated meal at a hotel? Take the time to write a list of descriptive words that come to mind when you think of your wedding, and when you search for venues, caterers, etc. mention these words. We don’t know what to do when you call us and ask “how much is a wedding?” but we have a good place to start if you say “I’m looking for a simple comfortable meal that would work in an outdoor setting.”

Before you call anyone, put together a preliminary budget. Are you paying for the event yourselves? Who else will be contributing financially? Keep in mind that things are likely to cost more than you anticipate, especially in the current economy and with the current environmental factors impacting food costs. You will also need to make a list of services you will require: venue, catering, DJ, florist, cake, dress/suit, favors, invitations, entertainment, photography, etc. Remember that this list will not be complete the first time you write it! You will continue to discover things you need and want that you hadn’t thought about, but having an initial list will be very helpful.

The first things to do will be to secure your venue and your caterer. Many venues include catering (hotels, etc.) and some have a list of vendors that they allow in their venue. Do your research. Make sure the venue you are interested in can accommodate the number of guests that you are expecting. There may be an instance where you love a venue, but do not love their caterer. Finding the perfect venue and the perfect food may take some work, but it will be well worth it. A wedding planner can be immeasurably helpful if your budget allows, and for some, this is the best place to start. You know yourself, and the extent of your planning abilities. If you don’t think you can do it, find a professional. We know what we are doing!

Please check back monthly for more wedding planning advice! If you have a topic you would like to see addressed in a future article, please email me at [email protected]. I’m here to help, and would be glad to answer any questions!

Heather Cole – Lead Bridal Coordinator & Social Media Manager.

Bekker’s Catering                       bekkerscatering.com
7449 Mission Gorge Rd.             Office (619) 287-9027
San Diego, CA  92120                Fax (619) 287-9045